| These days there are literally hundred of webcam's | | | | Hauppauge and Axis as they will offer simple and well |
| available from many manufacturers and choosing a | | | | tested software installations which should work with |
| web cam can be time consuming and confusing for | | | | little or no configuration of your Instant Messaging |
| shoppers. The most common use of web cams is in | | | | software. Also check that your webcam has a usable |
| the Instant Messaging market and applications such | | | | stand or connector to enable you to attach the |
| as Windows Messenger, Yahoo Instant Messenger | | | | device at a suitable position - monitor mounted |
| and Skype allow people from all over the world to | | | | webcams are often the best choice as they offer |
| communicate easily and cheaply. This aim of this | | | | the best position and distance to capture a persons |
| article is to highlight a few features you should look | | | | face for instant messaging. Many webcams display |
| out for when purchasing a webcam for instant | | | | the logos of the relevant instant messaging |
| messaging. | | | | manufacturer on the packaging so its worth checking |
| Quality. Quality of a webcam is determined by the | | | | if your client is supported. |
| type of sensor and many webcam's now use CCD | | | | Price. The price of webcams do vary considerably |
| technology as found in many Digital Cameras. Low | | | | and you can pay anywhere from ten to hundreds of |
| end and Early web cams use CMOS sensors which | | | | dollars for a webcam. For instant messaging a mid |
| offer lower quality so it is important to choose a | | | | range webcam should not only provide the best |
| webcam that offers a good enough resolution to | | | | quality but also offer a good level of support and |
| deliver clear crisp images and smooth video. For | | | | compatibility. Some webcams offer face tracking and |
| instant messaging, the resolution the image sensor | | | | zooming technology and if you want these features |
| does not need to produce high resolution images as | | | | you will have to pay slightly more but this does make |
| the video is usually displayed as a small video window | | | | day to day use of the webcam a little easier as it will |
| within the instant messaging software. Therefore a | | | | not require as much repositioning. Also check that the |
| webcam that offers 1.3 mega pixel resolution should | | | | webcam has at least a 2 year warranty. |
| be more than adequate for delivering quality video | | | | For a webcam that will offer all of the above a 1.3 |
| and also decent snapshots if required. | | | | mega+pixel webcam from Logitech or Microsoft will |
| Simplicity. Almost all of the webcams available today | | | | be the top recommendation and will support Skype |
| require a USB connection to the computer so it is | | | | and all of the other common Instant Messaging |
| important to check your PC or Laptop has this | | | | clients. In the current market the Logitech Sphere, or |
| connector available. You will also want to find a | | | | Microsoft Life Cam will be more than suitable. You will |
| Webcam from a reputable manufacturer some of | | | | expect to pay around $50 for a webcam of this |
| which include Logitech, Microsoft, Labtec, Saitek, | | | | specification from one of the main manufacturers. |